Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Coral switch is renowned for its crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, providing a sophisticated and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for higher-pitched resonance, achieving a balance of bouncy, clacky, and creamy typing sensations. While the Coral switch may appeal to those looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Xinhai switch will attract individuals seeking a more tactile and pronounced keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for switches with RGB lighting. However, the difference comes in the material used for the bottom housing. The Coral employs nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs less sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Jerrzi Coral provides a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai's employment of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings results in a more consistent sound profile, with a sharper and crisper tone throughout. This subtle difference in housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX Xinhai plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound, the difference in bottom housing material - nylon for the Coral and polycarbonate for the Xinhai - results in variations in sound depth and resonance. Whether a deeper and fuller sound profile or a more consistent and crisper tone is preferred, these differences highlight the importance of housing materials in customizing the typing experience to suit individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Coral requires slightly more force at 40 grams compared to the Xinhai's 37 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Xinhai is lighter with 45 grams compared to the Coral, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Coral provides a slightly heavier actuation force, while the Xinhai has a lighter bottom out force. This means that typing on the Coral may feel slightly firmer and require more effort to trigger a keystroke, while the Xinhai offers a lighter touch and may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Xinhai being slightly shorter than the Coral. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Xinhai due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Coral. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is known for its lower-pitched resonance, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds a sense of sophistication to each key press. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy tones that are bright and percussive. Both switches have their unique auditory characteristics, with the Coral offering a smoother and more subdued sound compared to the Xinhai's sharper and more pronounced clicking noise. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai linear switch provides a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback that enhances the tactile feel of typing. Additionally, the Xinhai switch is also described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding fingers across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Coral focusing on smoothness and the Xinhai providing a more lively and rebounding feel, catering to different typing preferences and styles.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Coral excels in providing a lower-pitched and smoother typing experience, while the Xinhai stands out for its clacky sound profile and bouncy feedback. Choosing between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve. Whether you prefer a more subdued and silky typing feel with the Coral or a livelier and bouncier sensation with the Xinhai, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a lower-pitched sound for a sophisticated typing experience, the Coral switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a clacky sound with a bouncy or creamy feel for a precise and lively typing experience, the Xinhai switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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